David J. Matyas

David J. Matyas, age 74, passed away on March 8, 2026. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to John and Mary Matyas, David lived a life defined by dedication to his family, his profession, and his community.

David graduated from St. Norbert College in 1972 and went on to earn his law degree from Marquette University Law School in 1976. In 1975, David married Susan Klein, the love of his life. Shortly after their marriage, David and Susan made their home in De Pere, where they set down roots, started their family, and opened a law practice that would serve the community for decades.

He spent the next fifty years practicing law, serving his community as both a public defender and as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for those who needed a voice. In addition to his legal practice, David proudly served the City of De Pere as Municipal Judge for 32 years, a role he carried out with fairness, integrity, and deep respect for the law.

David had many interests that brought him joy. He was a devoted Wisconsin sports fan who faithfully followed the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and Marquette University. He enjoyed reading history books, completing puzzles, working on the daily crossword, and never missed reading the newspaper each day. More than anything, however, David cherished time spent with his family. His greatest joy was watching and supporting his grandsons at their many sporting events.

David is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Susan Matyas; his children, Molly Matyas, Elizabeth Matyas, Mark (Radhika) Matyas, and Ellen (Joe) Gurholt; and his eight beloved grandsons, Elijah Wright, Isaac Wright, Samuel Fax, Ethan Fax, Maximilian Matyas, Casimir Matyas, Henry Gurholt, and Franklin Gurholt. He is further survived by his siblings, Sue (Greg) Black, Tom (Jane) Matyas, Paul (Maureen) Matyas, and Jeff (Linda) Matyas; his brother-in-law, Bob (Marcia) Klein; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Matyas; his mother- and father-in-law, Andrew and Emilie Klein; and his sister-in-law, Marsha McCloskey.

Family and friends may visit at St. Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church, 123 Grant Street, De Pere, on Monday, March 16, from 9:00am until 11:00am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am with Fr. Mike Brennan, O.Praem officiating. Burial will held privately at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in De Pere.

David will be remembered for his dedication to justice, his love of family, and the quiet pride he took in the lives and accomplishments of those he loved. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the many people whose lives he touched through his work and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to CASA of Brown County 414 E Walnut St #170, Green Bay, WI 54301, an organization that was very meaningful to David because of its important work advocating for youth in the foster care system. www.casabc.org